Ocean County Family Charged with Shooting Pet Pit Bull

I apologize for being dramatic, but there is a special place in hell for people who purposely harm animals. I do not believe penalties are harsh enough for animal abusers. But one Ocean County family will have to stand up in court and defend their decision to shoot their pet pit bull, leaving him for dead on an area road.

Anthony Sammarco Sr., 40, of Barnegat has been arrested and charged by the New Jersey State Police in connection with the shooting of his pit bull in March who was found bleeding and limping on Route 9 in New Gretna, Burlington County. He is facing accusations of conspiracy of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, conspiracy for unlawful possession of a weapon and conspiracy for certain persons not to have a weapon, say the State Police in Tuckerton.

Two others have also been charged in connection with the heinous crime: Anthony Sammarco Jr., 20, and his 22-year-old girlfriend, Alexis Abbato, were both charged Monday with hindering an investigation into their dog’s shooting.

There's been no update on the condition of the injured pup now, or where it may be recovering.

Me with Emma the Pit Bull

It's not that I believe some pits aren't trained to be vicious. With dog fighting rings still prevalent, I know there are dogs groomed to be aggressive. But I love a pit bull named Emma. She is the most gentle, loving, caring dog, who protects the two year old toddler of the family she lives with. She is one of my all time favorite animals, and makes me see how pits are a misunderstood breed.